The Questions with Takeo Spikes Bills Linebacker

What was your welcome-to-the-NFL moment? My first preseason game with Cincinnati. We went to New York to play the Giants. I had seen the helmets in practice, but when we walked into the locker room and I saw game pants with Bengals stripes, I knew, This is it.

Most embarrassing moment? With the Bengals in '99 we played the Rams in Cincinnati for the title of losingest team of the '90s. I thought we had a chance to beat them, but we lost with an embarrassing performance. People already had conceptions about us. This was icing on the cake.

Most treasured possession? A picture of me and my father taken after a game in '99. He passed away in 2001, and I take the photo with me when I go on the road.

If I weren't in the NFL, I'd be ... Managing a soul food restaurant. I'd start it out in Atlanta, then put it in other cities in Georgia. I'd have to know what goes on in the restaurant, so I'd cook, too. My specialty is macaroni and cheese.

Last Week

After talking about Bills' intent to get "to that next level," Spikes led team with six tackles in win over Jets.

This Week

Bills play Patriots, against whom Spikes had two interceptions and a fumble recovery in two games last year.

COLOR PHOTO

ALLEN KEE/WIREIMAGE.COM (SPIKES WITH TOWEL)

COLOR PHOTO

DAVID DUROCHIK/SPORTPICS (SPIKES ACTION)